The experience of democracy is like the experience of life itself-always changing, infinite in its variety, sometimes turbulent and all the more valuable for having been tested by adversity — Jimmy Carter

Here are 10 Fun Independence Day Facts:

• In 1776, there were 2.5 million residents in the U.S.
• The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 men from 13 colonies.
• Every 4th of July the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped (not actually rung) thirteen times in honor of the original thirteen colonies.
• The only two signers of the Declaration of Independence who later served as President of the United States were John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
• Our current American flag design was chosen in 1960. We’ve used 27 different official flags in U.S. history.
• The first July 4th parade took place in 1785 in Bristol, R.I.
• The oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States is the 4th of July Parade in Bristol, Rhode Island; it began in 1785.
• The White House held its first 4th July party in 1801.
• 1 out of 8 signers were educated at Harvard (7 total).
• In 1954, the words ‘under God’ were added to the Pledge of Allegiance.